New TV show could put more strain on couples: counsellor

AIRING your dirty linen on national television seems like a strange choice to make, especially when your relationship is on the rocks.

But that's exactly what a bunch of Australian couples are doing on Channel Seven's latest dating show, Seven Year Switch.

No doubt eyeballs will be glued to the show as the struggling couples are split up and matched with another partner for two weeks.

However Gladstone relationship guru Stacy Gernetzky doesn't think this partner swap show will be of any benefit to the young couples.

"I don't want to judge anybody who does this but as a personal point of view I wouldn't be happy with my husband living with another woman," Ms Gernetzky said.

"I don't think that would benefit our relationship in any way and would only lead to more complications and strains.

"At the end of the day it breaks down trust because you're going to be wondering what happened in that house," she said.

Ms Gernetzky said she usually dealt with couples who had already gone past the point of no return but stressed that couples should not give up and get help as soon as possible.

"The way the economy is now in Gladstone is taking a toll on relationships," she said. "It's not only financial stress but also the pressure of men who are used to working long hours who are now at home.

"Relationships are hard work and take constant work …but you've just got to make time for each other."